Tomane set to ignite back line into action

Chris Dutton

ACT Brumbies winger Joseph Tomane hopes he can help ignite the back line and insists the team has the attacking weapons to be capable of being a Super Rugby force.

Tomane scored his third try of the season to get the Brumbies back in the contest against the Queensland Reds on Friday night.

However, it wasn't enough to lift them to victory as the Brumbies fell seven points short at Suncorp.

Despite being just seven weeks into his Super Rugby career, Tomane has shown he has the potential to be one of the most dangerous back line players in the competition. In the majority of matches, the Brumbies have focused on winning the forward pack battle with the outside backs seeing little of the ball.

Advertisement

But assistant coach Laurie Fisher has hinted it is time to give Tomane, Jesse Mogg and Henry Speight chances to break the game open.

Tomane is keen to see some early opportunities.

''I'm learning now that I have to make the most of what comes my way,'' Tomane said.

''I would definitely like some early ball, but there's no point spreading the ball wide if we're losing the battle in the middle.

''That will come with experience. We've showed glimpses of how expansive we can be and we can score tries from anywhere, we just have to use that a bit more.''

The rugby league convert has quickly found his feet in his return to rugby union but he didn't expect to be in the starting XV until he had learned the game next year.

However, Matt Toomua's season-ending knee injury has opened the door for Tomane to cement a starting spot on the wing.

The eventual return of Robbie Coleman could force a reshuffle in the back three.

The Brumbies view Coleman as a fullback and when he recovers from his groin injury, rookie Jesse Mogg could move to the wing.

Tomane hopes his power running game and ability to burst through defenders has impressed the coaches.

He beat three Reds defenders on Friday night before flying down the sideline to score.

''One thing I think I can bring to the team is unpredictability, that try came from nothing and it was a bit of luck as well,'' Tomane said. ''It's kind of a growing process for me.

''I didn't really show that ability at the start of the season, but as I'm getting game time I get a bit more confidence with everything I do.

''I'm feeding off all the boys and hopefully I can continue to improve, I know I've got a lot to work on.

''We definitely have attacking weapons and the more experience we get the better we will be.''